Hindi Informal Imperatives: Telling Friends What to Do (Tum & Tu)
-ओ for friends and the root for very close inner circles.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'tum' for friends and 'tu' for very close intimates; add '-o' for 'tum' and keep the root for 'tu'.
- For 'tum' (friends), add '-o' to the verb root: 'khao' (eat).
- For 'tu' (intimate), use the bare verb root: 'kha' (eat).
- For negatives, use 'mat' before the verb: 'mat khao' (don't eat).
Overview
In Hindi, the way you address someone significantly impacts the social tone of your interaction. This is primarily governed by a system of honorifics, where different forms of the pronoun 'you' (तुम – tum, तू – tu, आप – aap) dictate verb conjugations and overall politeness. For learners at the A2 CEFR level, mastering informal imperatives is crucial for engaging in genuine, everyday conversations and building rapport with peers.
Misusing these forms can lead to social awkwardness or unintended offense, highlighting the importance of understanding their precise application.
Imperatives are verb forms used to give commands, make requests, or offer advice. English typically uses the bare infinitive ('Go!', 'Sit!'), but Hindi employs distinct suffixes that align with its three levels of address for 'you'. While आप (aap) denotes formality and respect, suitable for elders, superiors, or strangers, तुम (tum) and तू (tu) are reserved for informal contexts.
This guide focuses on these informal forms, enabling you to communicate authentically with friends, family, and close associates, moving beyond the overly formal tone that often characterizes beginner Hindi speakers.
The distinction between तुम and तू is subtle yet profound. तुम maintains a friendly, peer-to-peer informality, suitable for most casual interactions. तू, conversely, signifies a deep level of intimacy, informality, or occasionally, a sharp directness that can border on rudeness if used inappropriately.
Understanding when and how to deploy तुम and तू forms ensures your Hindi sounds natural and reflects your relationship with the interlocutor. This linguistic nuance is fundamental to navigating social registers effectively in the Hindi-speaking world.
How This Grammar Works
-ना (-na) ending from an infinitive. For instance, the infinitive जाना (jaana – to go) has the verb root जा (jaa), and पढ़ना (paṛhnaa – to read) has the root पढ़ (paṛh). Imperatives, regardless of their formality, are constructed directly from these verb roots, with specific suffixes appended to indicate the level of address and the command function.तू (tu) form, signifying extreme intimacy or directness, is the simplest morphologically: it typically uses the bare verb root itself as the command. This stark simplicity reflects the lack of social distance.बोल (bol – speak!) is the तू form of बोलना (bolnaa – to speak).तुम (tum) form, which covers a broader range of friendly and informal interactions, adds the suffix -ओ (-o) to the verb root. This suffix indicates a degree of polite familiarity, differentiating it from the bare तू form while remaining distinct from the highly formal आप forms (which typically use -इये (-iye) or -इए (-ie)). For instance, the तुम form of बोलना (bolnaa) is बोलो (bolo – speak!).खाना (khaanaa – to eat). Its root is खा (khaa).तू खा(tu khaa) – Eat! (intimate/direct)तुम खाओ(tum khaao) – Eat! (friendly/informal)
Formation Pattern
-ना (-na) ending from the infinitive form of the verb. This root is the essential base for all conjugations.
सुनना | sunnaa | to listen | सुन | sun |
देखना | dekhnaa | to see/watch | देख | dekh |
लिखना | likhnaa | to write | लिख | likh |
खोलना | kholnaa | to open | खोल | khol |
तू (tu) Imperative
तू form, the imperative is simply the bare verb root itself. This is the most direct and intimate command form.
तू Imperative | Transliteration | Meaning (intimate) |
सुन | sun | सुन! | sun! | Listen! |
देख | dekh | देख! | dekh! | Look! / Watch! |
लिख | likh | लिख! | likh! | Write! |
जा | jaa | जा! | jaa! | Go! |
तू इधर आ! (tu idhar aa!) – Come here! (to a child or very close friend)
तुम (tum) Imperative
तुम form, append the suffix -ओ (-o) to the verb root. This creates a friendly and generally informal command.
तुम Imperative | Transliteration | Meaning (friendly) |
सुन | sun | सुनो! | suno! | Listen! |
देख | dekh | देखो! | dekho! | Look! / Watch! |
लिख | likho | लिखो! | likho! | Write! |
जा | jaa | जाओ! | jaao! | Go! |
तुम अब जाओ! (tum ab jaao!) – Go now! (to a friend or colleague)
-ओ (-o) suffix often merges with the final vowel, sometimes leading to a smooth transition or य (y) insertion. The most common examples are:
आना (aanaa – to come) → Root: आ (aa)
तू आ (tu aa)
तुम आओ (tum aao) (No य here, just vowel merging)
जाना (jaanaa – to go) → Root: जा (jaa)
तू जा (tu jaa)
तुम जाओ (tum jaao) (No य here)
पीना (piinaa – to drink) → Root: पी (pii)
तू पी (tu pii)
तुम पियो (tum piyo) (Here, य is inserted for smoother pronunciation)
लेना (lenaa – to take) is an irregular verb, see below.
देना (denaa – to give) is an irregular verb, see below.
तू Imperative | Transliteration | तुम Imperative | Transliteration |
लेना | lenaa | ले | ले! | le! | लो! | lo! |
देना | denaa | दे | दे! | de! | दो! | do! |
पीना | piinaa | पी | पी! | pii! | पियो! | piyo! |
करना | karnaa | कर | कर! | kar! | करो! | karo! |
पीना (piinaa) is also listed here due to the य insertion, making पियो (piyo) its specific तुम form, rather than a simple पीओ (piio).
लो, यह किताब पढ़ो! (lo, yah kitaab paṛho!) – Here, take this book and read it! (लो is the तुम imperative of लेना).
मत (mat) directly before the imperative verb. मत means 'do not' and is always used in this construction for commands.
जा | jaa | मत जा | mat jaa |
जाओ | jaao | मत जाओ | mat jaao |
कर | kar | मत कर | mat kar |
करो | karo | मत करो | mat karo |
तुम वहाँ मत जाओ! (tum vahaan mat jaao!) – Don't go there! (friendly/informal)
When To Use It
तुम (tum) and तू (tu) imperatives is highly dependent on social context, perceived intimacy, and power dynamics. While both are informal, their specific applications diverge significantly, and understanding these nuances is key to effective communication.तुम (tum) Imperative:तुम form is the default informal imperative and is widely applicable in situations where you have a familiar, peer-level relationship with the listener. It strikes a balance between politeness and closeness, making it suitable for a broad range of everyday interactions.- Friends and Acquaintances: When speaking to friends, classmates, colleagues of similar rank, or people you've been introduced to informally. Example:
यहाँ बैठो!(yahaan baiṭho!) – Sit here! (to a friend joining you). - Younger Siblings/Cousins: Typically used when addressing younger family members, conveying affection and a natural authority if you are older. Example:
यह खिलौना मुझे दो!(yah khilaunaa mujhe do!) – Give me this toy! (to a younger sibling). - Children (General): Adults generally use
तुमorतूwith children, depending on the child's age and the adult's relationship with them.तुमis a safe, common choice. Example:अपना होमवर्क करो!(apnaa homework karo!) – Do your homework! - Social Media & Texting: The informal nature of platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and casual emails almost always calls for
तुमforms. Example in a text:कल मिलना!(kal milnaa!) – Meet tomorrow! (The infinitivemilnaahere functions as an informal command/suggestion in text context). - Informal Service Interactions: With street vendors, auto-rickshaw drivers, or small shopkeepers with whom you develop a routine interaction. While
आपis safer for initial interactions,तुमcan be used once a degree of familiarity is established. Example:एक समोसा दो!(ek samosaa do!) – Give one samosa! (to a familiar vendor).
तू (tu) Imperative:तू form is considerably more restricted in its appropriate usage due to its extreme intimacy or directness. Its use implies a complete absence of social hierarchy or a strong emotional state. Misuse can be severely offensive.- Extreme Intimacy/Deep Familiarity: Reserved for very close family members (e.g., parents to children, sometimes siblings who are exceptionally close), very best friends, or long-term romantic partners. It conveys deep affection and belonging. Example:
तू सुन मेरी बात!(tu sun merii baat!) – You listen to me! (used by a parent to a child, or a very close friend). - Addressing God: In religious contexts, devotees often use
तूwhen addressing deities, signifying a profound, personal, and subservient relationship. Example:हे भगवान, मुझे बचा!(he bhagavaan, mujhe bachaa!) – Oh God, save me! - Addressing Pets: Animals are typically addressed using the
तूform, as they are not perceived to have social status. Example:तू बैठ!(tu baiṭh!) – Sit! (to a dog). - Expressing Strong Emotion (Anger/Frustration): In moments of extreme anger, frustration, or contempt,
तूcan be used to verbally attack or assert dominance. This is where its potentially offensive nature manifests. Example:तू चुप कर!(tu chup kar!) – You shut up! (highly aggressive). - Literature/Poetry: Historically and in some contemporary works,
तूis used to create a particular artistic effect, often emphasizing raw emotion or a timeless connection.
तुम and तू depending on the emotional intensity of the conversation. However, for A2 learners, it is always safer to err on the side of तुम until a deep understanding of the social context and personal relationship is established.Common Mistakes
- 1The
आप(aap) andतुम(tum) Imperative Mismatch:
आप (aap) with a तुम (tum) level imperative, or vice-versa. This creates a grammatically inconsistent and socially awkward sentence. Hindi grammar dictates that the pronoun and the verb form must agree in their level of formality.- Incorrect:
आप कहाँ जाओगे?(aap kahaan jaaoge?) – Whileआपis formal,जाओगेis the future tenseतुमform. For an imperative, it should be a formal command. - Correct:
आप कहाँ जा रहे हैं?(aap kahaan jaa rahe hain?) – Where are you going? (Formal, present continuous). - Correct Formal Imperative:
आप कृपया यहाँ आइये!(aap kripyaa yahaan aaiye!) – Please come here! (आइयेis the formal imperative). - Incorrect:
आप बैठो!(aap baiṭho!) – This mixes the formalआपwith the informalबैठो(baiṭho). This is a common error and sounds jarring to a native speaker. It might be interpreted as passive-aggression or confusion. - Correct:
आप बैठिये!(aap baiṭhiye!) – Please sit down! (Formal, correct). - Correct:
तुम बैठो!(tum baiṭho!) – Sit down! (Informal, correct).
- 1Using
तू(tu) with Strangers or Acquaintances:
तू with someone you don't know intimately, or with whom you should maintain a respectful distance, is perceived as extremely rude, aggressive, or contemptuous. It instantly breaks social etiquette.- Incorrect: (To a shopkeeper)
तू मुझे यह दे!(tu mujhe yah de!) – You give me this! (Highly offensive). - Correct: (To a shopkeeper)
आप मुझे यह दीजिये!(aap mujhe yah diijiye!) – Please give me this! (Formal and polite). - Correct: (To a close friend)
तू मुझे यह दे!(tu mujhe yah de!) – You give me this! (Appropriate in intimate context).
- 1Over-politeness with Close Friends (Using
आपImperatives):
तू, consistently using आप imperatives with your close friends or family can create an emotional distance. It might make your friends feel like you're angry, being sarcastic, or treating them as strangers. Friendship thrives on informality.- Scenario: You and your friend are hanging out. You say:
आप यहाँ बैठिये!(aap yahaan baiṭhiye!) – You sit here! (Formal). - Friend's likely reaction:
Imperative Conjugation Table
| Verb Root | Tum (Informal) | Tu (Intimate) | Negative (Tum) | Negative (Tu) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kha
|
Khao
|
Kha
|
Mat khao
|
Mat kha
|
|
Ja
|
Jao
|
Ja
|
Mat jao
|
Mat ja
|
|
Aa
|
Aao
|
Aa
|
Mat aao
|
Mat aa
|
|
Baith
|
Baitho
|
Baith
|
Mat baitho
|
Mat baith
|
|
Sun
|
Suno
|
Sun
|
Mat suno
|
Mat sun
|
|
Kar
|
Karo
|
Kar
|
Mat karo
|
Mat kar
|
Meanings
The imperative mood is used to give commands, advice, or requests to people you know well.
Standard Informal (Tum)
Used for friends, peers, and younger siblings.
“Tum yahan baitho.”
“Tum jaldi aao.”
Intimate/Very Close (Tu)
Used for partners, best friends, or children.
“Tu yahan baith.”
“Tu jaldi aa.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Tum Affirmative
|
Root + o
|
Tum khao
|
|
Tu Affirmative
|
Root
|
Tu kha
|
|
Tum Negative
|
Mat + Root + o
|
Tum mat khao
|
|
Tu Negative
|
Mat + Root
|
Tu mat kha
|
|
Tum Question
|
Tum + Root + o + ?
|
Tum khao?
|
|
Tu Question
|
Tu + Root + ?
|
Tu kha?
|
Formality Spectrum
Khaiye. (Dining)
Khao. (Dining)
Kha. (Dining)
Kha le. (Dining)
Hindi Address System
Formal
- Aap Respectful
Informal
- Tum Peer
Intimate
- Tu Close
Examples by Level
Tum khao.
You eat.
Tum jao.
You go.
Tum aao.
You come.
Tum baitho.
You sit.
Tum mat jao.
Don't go.
Tu pani pi.
Drink water.
Tum kitab padho.
Read the book.
Tum yahan aao.
Come here.
Tum mujhe sach batao.
Tell me the truth.
Tu mujhse baat mat kar.
Don't talk to me.
Tum jaldi taiyaar ho jao.
Get ready quickly.
Tum meri baat suno.
Listen to me.
Tumhe jo karna hai, karo.
Do whatever you want to do.
Tu bas chup reh.
Just stay quiet.
Tum is kaam ko kal tak khatam karo.
Finish this work by tomorrow.
Tum wahan mat jao, khatra hai.
Don't go there, it's dangerous.
Tum chahe jo kaho, main nahi maanunga.
Say whatever you want, I won't agree.
Tu mere liye sab kuch hai.
You are everything to me.
Tum apni galti sweekar karo.
Admit your mistake.
Tum zara dhyan se chalo.
Walk carefully.
Tumhe jo uchit lage, wahi karo.
Do whatever you feel is right.
Tu mujhse door reh.
Stay away from me.
Tum is vishay par gambhirta se socho.
Think seriously about this topic.
Tumne jo kaha, use bhool jao.
Forget what you said.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up formal and informal endings.
Using 'nahi' for negative commands.
Using 'tu' with strangers.
Common Mistakes
Tum khao-iye
Tum khao
Tum nahi khao
Tum mat khao
Tu khao
Tu kha
Tum jao-o
Tum jao
Tu mat jao-o
Tu mat ja
Tum mat jao-iye
Tum mat jao
Tu aao
Tu aa
Tu khao
Tu kha
Tum mat jao-iye
Tum mat jao
Tu mat khao
Tu mat kha
Tum mat khao-iye
Tum mat khao
Tu khao
Tu kha
Tum mat jao-iye
Tum mat jao
Tu mat jao-o
Tu mat ja
Sentence Patterns
Tum ___ ___.
Tum ___ mat ___.
Tu ___ ___.
Tum ___ karke ___.
Real World Usage
Tum jaldi aao!
Tum ye photo dekho.
Tum pizza order karo.
Tum wahan jao.
Tum jump karo!
Tum ye chapter padho.
Soften the Blow
The Stranger Danger
Filmi Dialogue
Smart Tips
Use 'tum' + verb-o to sound natural.
Always use 'mat' before the verb.
Use 'tu' for intimacy.
Default to 'aap'.
Pronunciation
O ending
The 'o' in 'tum' forms is a long, rounded vowel.
Root ending
The 'tu' form ends abruptly, emphasizing the root.
Command
Tum jao↓
Falling intonation for a firm command.
Request
Tum jao↑?
Rising intonation for a soft request.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Tum ends in O, so you know it's for your bro. Tu is short and sweet, for the one you meet in the street (or your heart).
Visual Association
Imagine a 'Tum' friend holding an 'O' shaped donut, and a 'Tu' friend standing alone with just the root of a tree.
Rhyme
Tum needs an O to make it go, Tu stays bare, handle with care.
Story
You are at a party. You tell your friend 'Tum khao' (Eat). You see your partner and whisper 'Tu kha' (Eat). You see your boss and say 'Aap khaiye' (Please eat).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 commands you would give to a friend in Hindi today.
Cultural Notes
In Delhi/UP, 'tu' is very common among friends, but can be aggressive.
Often use 'tum' more frequently to avoid the harshness of 'tu'.
Use of 'tu' is more common across age groups in some rural dialects.
Derived from Sanskrit imperatives.
Conversation Starters
Tum kya kar rahe ho?
Tumhe kya khana hai?
Tum kal kya karoge?
Tumhe kya lagta hai?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Tum pani ___ (pi).
Tum ___ mat jao.
Find and fix the mistake:
Tu khao.
Tum aao.
Tum ___.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Tum ___.
Tu ___ (aa).
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesTum pani ___ (pi).
Tum ___ mat jao.
Find and fix the mistake:
Tu khao.
Tum aao.
Tum ___.
Match: Tu, Tum, Aap
Tum ___.
Tu ___ (aa).
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesListen to me!
इधर / तू / आ
Match the roots:
Don't go!
जूस ___।
तुम यहाँ रुक।
Do the work.
Check this link:
पैसे ___।
English vs Hindi Intimate:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Absolutely not! Always use 'aap' with teachers.
In Hindi, 'mat' is specifically for negative imperatives.
Historically yes, but now it's the standard informal singular.
Apologize and switch to 'aap'.
No, the imperative form is the same for all genders.
Depends on the family, but 'aap' is generally safer.
Yes, 'tum' is often used as the plural of 'tu'.
Try writing simple commands for your daily routine.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Tú/Usted
Spanish has more complex verb conjugations.
Tu/Vous
French 'vous' is also plural.
Du/Sie
German formal is capitalized.
Honorifics
Hindi changes the verb, Japanese changes the noun/suffix.
Anta/Anti
Hindi is mostly gender-neutral in the imperative.
Ni/Nin
Chinese verbs do not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Hindi Commands: The Friendly 'Tum' (Verb + o)
Overview In Hindi, expressing commands or making requests is nuanced, reflecting the language's inherent politeness hier...
Polite Requests in Hindi: The 'Aap' Form (-iye/-jiye)
Overview Mastering polite requests is fundamental for effective communication in Hindi, especially at the beginner (A1)...
Related Grammar Rules
Mastering Respect & Tone: Tu, Tum, Aap & Beyond
Overview Hindi is not merely a language for conveying information; it is a sophisticated system that inherently encodes...
Formal Written Hindi (Honorifics & Registers)
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Formal Hindi: Navigating Sanskrit Tatsam Words
Overview The Hindi language, a vibrant and dynamic member of the Indo-Aryan family, exhibits a rich lexical tapestry. A...
Formal vs. Casual Hindi: The 'Shuddh' Register
Overview Mastering Hindi at the C1 level necessitates a deep understanding of its various registers, particularly the di...
Polite suffix: -ji (Respect Marker)
Overview In the landscape of Hindi communication, the suffix `-ji` (जी) stands as an indispensable marker of respect, p...
